I wanted to use this post to take a look at what is available to school districts to help make them more effective. Some of what I found are software based programs that will provide the necessary tools to organize daily schedules for both students and teachers, provide teachers with an online gradebook that can be published on the web so that parents can have access to their child’s grades,etc. I also found web-based resources that will offer the same supports. Below are the links to the websites with a brief description of each. If you are aware of any other programs that I should take a look at please let me know.
Administrator’s Plus
A one-stop shop for daily school management. Can be used to evaluate teacher’s by way of a smartphone or PDA, maintain a teacher’s grade book and post it online for parent’s to monitor, scheduling, etc. The goal of the program is to streamline education and make everyone’s life easier. Does not have the capabilities to make phone calls like global connect. For private schools, there is a version that will enable the application process to be online, and administrators can track an applicant’s progress.
Orbund
Another software company that provides multiple resources for school administrators and educators. Principals can use it to set schedules, teachers can use it as their grade book. Parents can view their child’s progress. Web based software that requires no maintenance by the school district. Unlike Administrator’s Plus, this program cannot be used for evaluating staff.
EDline
A web-based program that will allow for communication between parents and teachers. Information about student performance as well as providing educators websites that enables them to provide up to the minute information about the happenings in class (Homework, projects, tests, quizzes, etc.). Edline offers a wide variety of products and each school district can tailor it to meet their specific needs.
PowerSchool
Another web-based program that enables parents to keep track of their child’s progress. Parents have the ability to view their child’s performance in class, and have access to a student’s discipline records. My current employer is in the process of switching over to this system, so overall my knowledge of it is very basic. On the surface, it appears to be very user friendly which makes it easy to navigate.
RTSD uses Schoolwires. http://www.schoolwires.com/swcorp/site/default.asp
ReplyDeleteSchoolwires uses Synergy as a collaboration tool, but only one or two teachers successfully implemented it. I made an attempt to use the drop boxes, however my student users were having logon issues on different browsers.
Thanks for sharing the software and programs you found. I think it would be great if my school implemented any of those programs or utilized any of the software you listed. I also found a website that lists specific school administration software: http://www.capterra.com/school-administration-software
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